Karachi: In a major move to curb tax evasion and improve economic transparency, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has announced plans to collect real-time data on business transactions across multiple sectors of Pakistan’s economy.
The FBR has issued a draft notification proposing amendments to the Income Tax Rules 2002, which will expand the tax net and introduce stricter digital monitoring requirements. Under the draft, all businesses will be connected to the FBR system through Point of Sales (POS) machines, enabling automatic transmission of every bill issued to the tax authorities in real time. This measure is intended to enhance documentation, reduce under-reporting, and strengthen revenue collection.
The new framework applies to a wide range of sectors, including hotels, guest houses, marriage halls, clubs, inter-city transport services, courier and cargo services, and retail businesses such as manufacturers-cum-retailers, wholesalers-cum-retailers, and importers-cum-retailers.
Healthcare and medical services are also included. Hair transplant clinics, private clinics, dental and plastic surgery centers, laboratories, diagnostic centers, veterinarians, and private hospitals will be required to register and integrate with the system. Educational institutions charging a monthly fee of PKR 1,000 or more, including schools, colleges, and training centers, will also fall under the new compliance framework.
Fitness and recreational facilities, including health clubs, swimming pools, and multi-purpose clubs such as Karachi Gymkhana, Royal Palm, Chenab Club, Islamabad Club, and Lahore Gymkhana, will likewise be connected to the FBR system. Chartered accountant firms and other professional service providers are also included.
Under Section 33 of the Income Tax Act, businesses within the specified categories must be connected to the tax system as a basic compliance requirement. Additionally, the FBR will have the authority to obtain one month’s CCTV footage from businesses connected to its system, strengthening monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
The draft notification invites suggestions, objections, and recommendations from affected businesses and individuals within a one-week period. Officials say the amendments mark a significant step toward digitization, broader tax coverage, and improved transparency across the economy.
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